In April 2025, DACH startups raised over €1.3 billion—while one of Europe’s top fintechs spiraled into crisis. This isn’t just another news roundup. This is your investor-grade, startup-founder-relevant, executive-level briefing from the DACH region’s leading podcast.

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What You'll Learn:

• The real story behind Trade Republic’s outages and financial trust issues

• How Amboss, Noxtua, and n8n are defining applied AI in health and devops

• Where VCs are betting big in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

• Why Germany’s economy is stagnating, yet startup funding is booming

Guest Spotlight:
This episode is hosted by Jörn “Joe” Menninger, the voice behind Startuprad.io and one of Europe’s leading startup podcasters. He breaks down news from Berlin, Munich, Vienna, and Zurich — so you don’t miss a beat.

We Love to Hear from You:
Love data-backed startup insights? Then subscribe to Startuprad.io on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with your co-founder or VC. We break the noise so you don’t have to.

Host: Jörn Menninger, Editor-in-Chief at Startuprad.io
Blog Post: https://www.startuprad.io/post/april-2025-dach-startup-wrapup
Relevant Resources:

• Amboss Funding: Silicon Canals

• Noxtua's AI push: TechCrunch

• Trade Republic Trouble: Business Insider

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro + Sponsor

• 03:10 – €1.3B Funding Summary

• 10:25 – Amboss, Noxtua, n8n: Applied AI Highlights

• 19:40 – Trade Republic Crisis Breakdown

• 27:50 – DACH VC Trends: First Momentum, Revent, Oakley

• 35:30 – Germany’s Economy: IFO + Forecasts

• 42:00 – Closing + What’s Coming in May

Are you a founder, investor, scaleup exec, or tech enthusiast looking to decode Europe's billion-euro startup engines? You’ve landed in the right place. Startuprad.io brings you the ultimate Unicorn Tracker for Spring 2025, offering you front-row insight into the most dynamic startups and scaleups across the DACH region—Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

🎯 Prefer the full analysis, data, and links? Dive deeper here:
👉 https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-unicorn-tracker-2025-trends-funding-and-opportunities-startuprad-io

⏱️ [00:02:20] What is DACH?
We explain the region, its strengths, and why it’s critical for innovation-driven founders and investors alike.

⏱️ [00:03:30] Quantum Systems & New Unicorns
Germany’s AI drone unicorn is leading the charge. Is deep tech the next big frontier?

⏱️ [00:04:20] Logistics Titans: Forto & Sennder
We uncover why DACH is still Europe's logistics superpower.

⏱️ [00:05:53] Mobility Mavericks: Flix, Tier, Volocopter
From record revenues to flameouts—we decode the truth behind urban mobility in 2025.

⏱️ [00:06:40] AI & Defense Tech: Agile Robots & Helsing
Robotics meets military innovation. Will Europe lead the AI revolution?

⏱️ [00:07:30] Consumer Tech Giants: Check24 & AutoDoc
Quiet billion-euro monsters transforming e-commerce and consumer platforms.

⏱️ [00:09:10] Biotech’s Highs & Heartbreaks
Why ADC Therapeutics’ rollercoaster reflects the volatile biotech landscape.

⏱️ [00:10:10] Climate Tech’s Gold Rush
Enpal, Climeworks, and 1.5 Degrees are building climate unicorns. Is it time to invest?

⏱️ [00:12:30] Fintech & Insurtech Battles
From N26 to Trade Republic, the DACH region remains a fierce battleground for finance innovation.

⏱️ [00:14:00] SaaS & Enterprise Software
Celonis is now a decacorn—what’s fueling DACH’s dominance in B2B SaaS?

⏱️ [00:24:55] The Unicorn Graveyard
Wefox, Grover, Infarm, Solaris. What founders can learn from once-high-flying unicorns that fell hard.

This is your unfair advantage in understanding how the DACH region creates, scales, and sometimes loses billion-dollar startups. Whether you're:

• 🚀 A founder looking for inspiration

• 💸 An investor scanning for your next deal

• 🧠 A strategist decoding market shifts

...you’ll walk away with actionable insights, real stories, and trend-defining strategies.

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📌 Full Show Notes + Transcript + Links:
https://www.startuprad.io/post/dach-unicorn-tracker-2025-trends-funding-and-opportunities-startuprad-io

🎧 Subscribe to Startuprad.io wherever you get your podcasts

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Are you a biotech founder ready to scale in Europe—or an investor scouting your next unicorn? Then don’t miss this masterclass with Annick Verween, Head of Biotope, one of Europe’s top biotech startup hubs (Financial Times-ranked).

Hosted by Joe Menninger of Startuprad.io, this candid conversation explores Annick’s unique path from “derailed marine biologist” to biotech investor and community builder.

This isn’t just another interview—it’s a strategic deep dive packed with biotech startup insights, founder advice, and real-world funding tactics:

🧬 Biotech Startup Ecosystems

How hubs like Biotope are bridging the gap between innovation and investment, fostering next-gen biotech ventures.

📈 Scaling Biotech Ventures

From regulatory minefields to IP protection and operational excellence—learn what it really takes to scale.

🧠 What Investors Really Look For

Annick unpacks her selection formula: People. Science. IP. And why listening is the #1 founder trait.

• 💥 Love the problem—not the tech.

• 🤝 It’s a people business.

• 🏗️ Operational excellence is non-negotiable.

• 🧾 Combine investment and grants for a winning strategy.

Annick shares how Biotope scouts and selects biotech startups using:

• 🔍 Deep due diligence on science & IP

• 🧗 A hands-on "base camp" selection process

• ⚖️ Balancing bold innovation with calculated risk

• Annick’s journey from BASF factory to biotech leader

• How EIT Food's Rising Foodstars shaped Europe's agri-food scene

• Biotope’s impact in planetary health, sustainable materials & more

• Why Zymofix is a biotech success story to watch

• Annick’s top productivity hack (and why it’s so effective)

“Don’t just focus on VC. Combine grants and investments into a smart, hybrid funding model.” – Annick Verween

#biotech #biotechstartup #biotechfunding #scalingbiotech #biotechhub #planetaryhealth #agrifoodtech #founderadvice #startupeurope #venturecapital #seedround #EITFood #innovation #IPstrategy #startups #VCfunding

• 🌐 Startuprad.io

• 🌐 Blog Post

• 👤 Annick Verween on LinkedIn

Sponsor Section

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Introduction

Dive into the DACH region's startup scene! This episode covers the latest trends in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, recorded with Chris Fahrenbach in New York City.

Key Highlights

• Fintech Evolution: Coorsair's IDNow acquisition (€300M) and the stablecoin surge to $226B highlight fintech's dynamism.

• Venture Capital: Toma Bravo's €1.8B European fund signals investor interest, but "zombie VC" and insolvencies persist.

• AI and Tech: Germany leads in AI research, but faces implementation challenges. Volocopter's acquisition and BioMed's cancer detection breakthrough showcase innovation.

• Funding & Founders: Funding rounds like Tectal's (€52M) and Swiss female founder success demonstrate growth.

• Legal & Regulatory: Legal battles (startup vs. SAP) and GDPR reviews (DeepSeek) highlight complexities.

Fintech: A Sector in Motion

Fintech sees Coorsair's IDNow acquisition and stablecoin growth. The ECB's digital Euro plans are also significant.

Venture Capital: Navigating the Landscape

Toma Bravo's fund shows investor confidence, but "zombie VC" and insolvencies pose challenges.

AI and Technology: Innovation

Germany's AI research faces implementation hurdles. Volocopter and BioMed demonstrate other tech advancements.

Startup Ecosystem: Challenges and Successes

Funding for companies like Tectile contrasts with layoffs and insolvencies. Acquisitions continue.

Regional Highlights

• Germany: Strong AI research, but application lags.

• Switzerland: Tight fintech VC, but female founders thrive.

• Austria: Linz launches an AI cluster; the Austrian DAH Fund starts.

Conclusion

The DACH startup scene is dynamic, with innovation and challenges across sectors.

Call to Action

Subscribe to our podcast for DACH startup updates! Share your thoughts below.

The music used in our intro is "MF-297 : First Hero" licensed from Musicfox.com: https://www.musicfox.com/detailsuche/?searchtext=297&submit=search

All rights reserved - Startuprad.io™

🚀 Big news from the DACH startup world! Finn raises €1B for car subscriptions, Cherry Ventures launches a €500M AI fund, but Lilium faces insolvency.

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🤯 Finn raises €1 BILLION for car subscriptions! But is it all good news? Lilium crashes back to earth with its second insolvency.

We unpack the hottest DACH startup stories:

• VC gold rush: Cherry Ventures' new €500M AI fund

• Political earthquake: How the German election impacts YOU

• Exclusive insights: Top trends in AI, fintech, biotech, and more

🚀 Don't get left behind! Subscribe now for your weekly dose of DACH startup action.

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The music used in our intro is "MF-297 : First Hero" licensed from Musicfox.com: https://www.musicfox.com/detailsuche/?searchtext=297&submit=search

© Startuprad.io™ - All Rights Reserved

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Intro
In this episode of Startuprad.io, we sit down with Til Klein, Founding Partner of Identity VC, a venture capital firm with a unique mission: investing in the next generation of disruptive startups led by LGBTQ+ founders.

Join us as Til shares his journey from a background in consulting to founding Identity VC, driven by a passion for fostering diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Discover the firm's investment thesis, the challenges and opportunities facing LGBTQ+ founders, and how Identity VC supports its portfolio companies beyond just funding.

Startupland

We had the pleasure of meeting Till at Startupland by Deutsche-Startups. You can now book a ticket for the next event in November here: https://startupland.de/ - There is still an early bird discount available!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• The importance of a strong mission and vision for startups

• Common mistakes founders make when pitching to VCs

• How Identity VC supports its portfolio companies beyond funding

• The role of AI in investment decisions

• The evolving landscape of VC and the role of diversity

Highlights:

• "Innovation thrives when we break from the norm. And for the LGBTQ community, breaking the norm is part of our DNA." - Til Klein

• "We're not just looking for great companies; we're looking for great founders who are passionate about solving real problems." - Til Klein

• "Diversity is not just a buzzword; it's a strategic advantage that leads to better decision-making and more innovative solutions." - Til Klein

Show Notes:

• Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tilklein/

• Website: https://identity.vc/

• Startuprad.io blog post: https://www.startuprad.io/post//breaking-norms-identity-vc-invests-in-lgbtq-founders

• Startuprad.io website: https://www.startuprad.io/

Timestamps:

• 0:00 Introduction

• 2:30 Til's journey to founding Identity VC

• 5:45 Identity VC's investment thesis

• 10:15 Challenges and opportunities for LGBTQ+ founders

• 15:30 How Identity VC supports its portfolio companies

• 20:45 The role of AI in VC

• 25:00 The future of VC and the role of diversity

• 30:00 Q&A

Join the Community

Subscribe to Startuprad.io on Spotify and never miss an episode!

Share this episode with your network and help us spread the word about the amazing work of LGBTQ+ founders.

Leave a review and let us know what you think of the show!

Ever wondered what makes customers choose one product over another? It's not always about flashy features or marketing hype. It's about solving their problems and fulfilling their needs. In this episode of Startuprad.io, we delve into the fascinating world of Jobs to Be Done (JTBD) with the creator of the theory himself, Tony Ulwick.

Tony Ulwick, the founder and CEO of Strategyn and a renowned innovation expert, takes us on a journey through the JTBD framework. Discover how this customer-centric approach can revolutionize your product development process, helping you identify the "jobs" customers are "hiring" your product to do.

• Our Sponsor Vanta
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In this episode, you'll learn:

• The core principles of JTBD and how it differs from traditional market research.

• How to identify and prioritize customer needs using the JTBD framework.

• Practical steps to implement JTBD in your product development process.

• Real-world case studies of companies successfully using JTBD to create winning products.

• The benefits and challenges of the JTBD approach.

Prepare to be inspired and challenged as Tony shares his insights on:

• Why most product development efforts fail.

• The importance of understanding customer motivations.

• How to segment markets based on unmet needs.

• The role of AI in the future of JTBD.

• This episode is a must-listen for:

• Entrepreneurs and product managers looking to build better products.

• Marketers seeking to understand customer behavior.

• Innovators and change-makers who want to create products that truly matter.

• Anyone interested in the future of product development and customer-centricity.

Tune in now and discover the secrets to building products that customers truly love!

Show Notes:

• Guest: Tony Ulwick, Founder and CEO of Strategyn

• Topics: Jobs to Be Done (JTBD), Outcome-Driven Innovation (ODI), Customer Needs, Product Development, Innovation, Market Research

• Links:

  • Strategyn: https://www.strategyn.com/

  • Jobs to Be Done website: https://jobstobedone.org/

  • Tony Ulwick's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tony-Ulwick/e/B001H6MZJC

  • Free eBook/Audiobook: https://jobstobedonebook.com/

  • Blog post: http://startuprad.io/post/jobs-to-be-done-a-framework-for-building-better-products

In this exciting episode of Startuprad.io, we take you straight to the heart of the German Business Angel Day 2024, held in the vibrant city of Mainz. This premier event brings together a dynamic mix of entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders to explore the cutting-edge innovations shaping the startup ecosystem across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

From groundbreaking medical technologies to sustainability solutions, this episode dives deep into how startups are transforming industries. Get ready for an inspiring discussion packed with real-world insights, success stories, and future opportunities for innovation.

Revolutionizing Surgery with AI

Hear from Thomas Roth, CEO of Inzipio, as he discusses how their AI-driven surgical planning platform is streamlining reconstructive surgeries. With their proprietary technology developed at RWTH Aachen University, they aim to save surgeons time and improve patient outcomes.

Tackling Climate Change in Construction

Discover how Julia Roth, CEO of Carbon Instead, is addressing the construction industry’s CO2 emissions with biochar\u2014a negative emission technology. Learn how their patented process integrates sustainability with functionality in building materials.

Innovations in Drug Development

Join Christoph Grün, CEO of Cavagen, as he shares how their advanced micro-cavity technology accelerates drug testing and reduces side effects. This biotech innovation is helping bridge the gap between lab conditions and real-world human physiology.

• AI and Automation: Transforming surgical workflows with advanced software solutions.

• Sustainability in Construction: Reducing CO2 emissions with innovative materials.

• Precision Medicine: Revolutionizing drug development with high-throughput 3D cell culture systems.

• Investment Trends for 2024: Key insights into the growing focus on sustainability and technology.

This episode is a must-listen for startup founders, investors, and enthusiasts eager to learn about the innovations shaping tomorrow’s industries. We discuss:

• Actionable insights from successful startups and their journey to market.

• Challenges faced by entrepreneurs and how they overcame them.

• Networking tips and partnership opportunities from German Business Angel Day.

• Subscribe to Our Podcast: All Platforms Here

• Detailed Blog Post: German Business Angel Day 2024: Insights from Mainz's Premier Startup Event